Government urged to dismantle ESB

COMPETITION watchdogs last night called on the Government to break up the ESB electricity company, saying the firm’s dominant position was against the interests of consumers and industry.

The Competition Authority wants to see the ESB divided into separate, independent supply companies competing against each other to supply cheaper power.

In a submission to Natural Resources Minister Noel Dempsey, the watchdog said the ESB had no incentive to lower electricity bills, which are 46% higher than those paid by householders in Britain.